Honors and Awards
In recognition of his business accomplishments and philanthropy, Robert F. Smith has received numerous awards and honors.
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HBCU Impact Award
2023
In September 2023, Smith received the HBCU Impact Award for notably and positively impacting HBCUs and the Black community a large. The HBCU Impact Awards stem from the concept of Albert Williams, the CEO of Sports Eleven05 LLC.
Fortune’s List of Successful Private Equity Firms
2023
In 2023, Fortune reviewed the biggest private equity investments and exits and accessed their executives. Fortune listed Smith among 21 private equity executives who are shaping the industry.
Founders Award From Foster Love
2023
In 2023, Foster Love recognized Smith and his wife, Hope Smith, as individuals who embody not only the spirit of the award itself but also serve as inspiration for future generations to come. This award celebrates the accomplishments of Smith within philanthropy and all he has done to help communities that lack access to opportunities across the U.S.
Legal Defense Fund’s National Equal Justice Award
2023
At the 35th Annual National Equal Justice Awards Dinner, hosted by the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Smith was awarded the National Equal Justice Award. Each year, the dinner recognizes the extraordinary work of individuals, brands and legal departments that work to promote racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award
2023
Smith was honored at the fifth annual celebration of the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards for his demonstration of the transformative power of service and his commitment to driving sustained impact for communities that lack access to opportunities.
Americans for the Arts’ Philanthropy in the Arts Award
2022
In 2022, Americans for the Arts presented the annual National Arts Awards and paid tribute to Smith for his longtime support of equitable and social efforts in the arts community. The organization celebrates the work of artists, activists and professionals who strive for extraordinary achievement and help to advance social justice initiatives in the U.S.
theGrio’s Philanthropy Icon Award
2022
In 2022, Smith was honored at theGrio Awards, which celebrates Black excellence across many different industries, including philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice and more. Smith received the Philanthropy Icon Award for his continuous philanthropic support of many organizations.
Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize From The Lawyers’ Committee
2020
Smith was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Justice Prize at the 2020 A. Leon Higginbotham Awards Dinner. A. Leon Higginbotham was an American civil rights activist, judge and author. Each year, the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law hosts the dinner in Higginbotham’s honor to bring journalists, advocates and activists together.
Cornell Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Award
2020
Each year, Cornell University recognizes former alumni who have excelled and have helped to change the world. In 2020, Smith was honored with Cornell Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Award for his professional achievements and philanthropic work to provide equal access to healthcare and education.
Forbes Diversity & Inclusion Award
2020
Forbes magazine named Smith’s plan for improving racial equality through his advocacy for The 2% Solution to the inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Awards in 2020. Featured at the top of the list, The 2% Solution was named “Most Intriguing Idea.” Smith first promoted The 2% Solution in a June 2020 speech, where he called on banks and large corporations to dedicate 2% of their annual net income over the course of 10 years to invest in the Black community.
TIME100: The Most Influential People
2020
Smith was named to Time100’s list in 2020 in recognition of his extraordinary work in liberating the human spirit through his philanthropy, investments and advocacy for racial and economic justice for Black communities. Smith’s work, words and resources are creating new opportunities for Black Americans and other communities that lack access to opportunities throughout the U.S.
Harvard’s W.E.B. Du Bois Award
2019
Smith was awarded the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal in 2019, which is Harvard University’s highest honor in the field of African and Black American studies. He was recognized for “changing lives and for forever and profoundly transforming the global philanthropic and businesses landscape.”
Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
2019
In 2019, Smith was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of his bold philanthropy, investments in communities and his strong calls for others to join him in giving back. The award honors philanthropists who reflect the values of Andrew Carnegie and his philosophy of giving — that the surplus wealth of the few should be administered “for the good of the people.”
Inductee Into the Texas Business Hall of Fame
2019
Smith was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2019 after being recognized by the public and then selected by living Hall of Fame members. Inductees are evaluated by their accomplishments in business and contributions to their community.
UNCF President’s Award
2019
In 2019, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) honored Smith with their President’s Award, which is an honor given to individuals who have helped “shape the Black American story by embodying the values and aspirations that UNCF represents” or individuals who have contributed resources necessary for UNCF students to succeed.
Humanitarian of the Year From International Medical Corps
2018
Smith and his wife, Hope Smith, were honored in 2018 by International Medical Corps with the Humanitarian of the Year award. International Medical Corps is a nonprofit disaster relief and healthcare organization with a focus on training. Hope serves on the International Medical Corps’ Leadership Council and contributes 5% of MUTHA™ profits to International Medical Corps’ efforts to prevent maternal and infant mortality. Hope is the Founder and CEO of luxury skincare brand MUTHA™.
Honored by National Park Foundation
2018
The National Park Foundation awarded Smith the title of “Honorary Ranger” in recognition of his dedication to Black history and cultural preservation at national parks across the U.S.
Candle Award in Business and Philanthropy Award From Morehouse College
2018
The annual “A Candle in the Dark” Gala was established in 1989 and was named after Morehouse College’s official history book, which was written by Edward A. Jones. Each year, the event celebrates the accomplishments of Black Americans and helps to raise scholarship funds for students. Smith was honored with the Candle Award in Business and Philanthropy award at Morehouse’s 2018 “A Candle in the Dark” Gala.
Forbes 100 Greatest Living Business Minds
2017
In 2017, Smith was named one of Forbes’ “100 Greatest Living Business Minds,” recognizing him as one of the U.S.’s top business innovators with his vast career accomplishments.
Ronald H. Brown American Journey Award
2017
Since 2009, the Ronald H. Brown American Journey Awards have been granted to outstanding individuals who have represented and practiced the ideals of the late former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ronald H. Brown. In 2017, Smith was awarded the Ronald H. Brown American Journey Award for his efforts in uplifting the Black community.
Columbia University BBSA Distinguished Alumni Award
2017
Columbia University’s Black Business Students Association (BBSA) named Smith as a recipient of their “Distinguished Alumni Award” in 2017. The BBSA at Columbia University exists to support Black business school students while they are pursuing their degrees and beyond.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Award
2016
Smith was honored with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair’s Award in 2016. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute that works to benefit the global Black community.
Ripple of Hope Award From Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
2010
In 2010, Smith was awarded the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award, which “celebrates leaders of the international business, entertainment and activist communities who have demonstrated a commitment to social change.” Past award recipients include Barack Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bono, John Lewis and Tim Cook.